www.montereycountynow.com SEPTEMBER 26-OCTOBER 2, 2024 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY 35 FILM Carmel International Film Festival was founded in 2008. In its 2024 edition the festival continues the tradition highlighting local talent, but also accounts for the area as scenery, in both new and old films. Big Sur: The Way It Was, a short by Robert Keith Blaisdell, will be reintroduced, and with good reason. The film shows Big Sur in the mid 20th-century, featuring interviews with Henry Miller, Helmuth Deetjen and more local legends—and captures a residents-versus-tourists tension that feels very contemporary. “We are happy to bring [the festival] back to the community,” says festival organizer Lawrence Roeck. “A quality festival, with lots of local talents from around the world and a strong representation of Monterey County—many of them this year’s winners.” In addition to screenings, winners in many categories will be announced during the festival itself. “Without spoiling the awards,” Roeck says, “there are quite a few local films that got honored.” Raven Drum Foundation is a film by Lauren Monroe and Rick Allen of Def Leppard, who are both attending the festival. Their foundation fights PTSD, especially in the community of veterans and first responders and the film is nominated for Best Documentary. Among guests will be Van Partible of Johnny Bravo, Will Roberts who played General George C. Marshall in Oppenheimer and Lee Caplin, a producer of True Detective. From local treasures, Enduring Democracy: The Monterey Petition by David C. Schendel will be screened. The film recounts a group of women activists who combatted hate crimes against Asians in 1940s California. We’re All in This Together by Daniel Troia, is an account of his cross-country bicycle journey—with no food and no money—to understand human connection. Another is The Long Road to Tao by Alex Carig, inspired by a true story of best friends who mysteriously lose touch, then reunite when one discovers that the other is dying of AIDS. The festival will have a new look and venue change. “I wanted to have the festival in Carmel, and the Sunset Center is too big,” Roeck says about choosing the recently reopened Golden Bough Playhouse. “This is our version of film and TV made in our area.” Carmel International Film Festival various times Saturday, Oct. 5-Sunday, Oct. 6. Golden Bough Playhouse, Monte Verde Street, Carmel. $45/one day; $80/two days. 750-7502, ciffest.com. MIKE BUFFO Screen Gems The Carmel International Film Festival returns with a new setting and another solid lineup. By Agata Pop˛eda The festival is a perfect opportunity to learn about local film projects. Above is a still from Condor Canyon, a documentary film by Ventana Wildlife Society. VALIDATED PARKING 136 OLIVIER ST. MONTEREY NEAR OLD FISHERMAN’S WHARF (831) 644-9007 WWW.BENIHANA.COM OPEN DAILY FOR LUNCH AND DINNER EXPERIENCE THE ORIGINAL
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